Microsoft Windows has always been an early supporter of 3D printing, not only developing their own 3D printing app, but offering native 3D printer support for a bunch of 3D printer models since Windows 8.1. Unfortunately the support does require the printer to be connected via a USB device, which is common but leaves 3D printer owners not able to access many of Windows’ robust networking features. However it looks like that is about to change with this week’s release of the new Windows 10 IoT Core app that will allow 3D printer users to network their 3D printer and allow it to be operated and monitored from any connected Windows PC just like any other piece of hardware.
Networked devices like 2D printers and 2D scanners are commonplace in both the home and workplace, and at this point the functionality is built into just about every piece of office equipment that you can imagine. But the newest, and likely most important, emerging trend in technology is connectivity via the Internet of Things. Everything from your computer to your television to your refrigerator and even your lights are able to talk to each other. In the home of the future, everything will be able to speak to everything, and everything can be accessed and controlled from a computer, so it makes sense that at some point Microsoft would get around to allowing 3D printers to be networked.
There is a catch, unfortunately; so far the Windows 10 IoT Core app is essentially in a sort of beta phase and currently only available using a Raspberry Pi to connect the 3D printer to a wireless network. So unless you’re a Raspberry Pi enthusiast you may have to wait for a while before you can start a new 3D print from a computer in the other room, but eventually the functionality is likely to become native. Microsoft developed the app and the Raspberry Pi connectivity to encourage 3D printer manufacturers to explore the possibilities of including native Windows WiFi connectivity in their printers.
If you’re not sure how to use a Raspberry Pi, it is actually pretty easy and Microsoft has even included an easy to understand tutorial to help anyone new to the device get connected. Once the Network 3D Printer UWP app is up and running on your Windows 10 IoT Core device, it broadcasts its presence on the network just like any other device would. That means anyone on the network can add the 3D printer using basic Windows 10 Settings, even multiple devices will be able to access the 3D printer provided they have a 3D printing program installed on that device.
You can even 3D print a custom case for your Raspberry Pi if you use Microsoft 3D Builder. This is the networking app that small businesses that use 3D printers have been waiting for.
Here is a video explaining the new Windows 10 IoT Core App:
The Windows 10 IoT Core app includes native support for thirteen 3D printers, including the entire line of Ultimaker 3D printers, the new LulzBot TAZ 6, the Printrbot Play, Plus and Simple, Makergear M2 and the Prusa i3 and i3 Mk2. Microsoft is also looking to the 3D printing community to suggest additional models of 3D printers to add natively and they have encouraged anyone to semail them. You can read more about the new IoT Core app and 3D printing here. Discuss further in the Microsoft 3D Printing Networking App forum over at 3DPB.com.
You May Also Like
3D Printing Webinar and Virtual Event Roundup: February 21, 2021
This coming week is chock full of webinars, with three a day for three days running. So without further ado, let’s dive right in! TriMech on Sweeps and Threads in...
The Future of Bound Metal 3D Printing for ExOne
Bound metal 3D printing is becoming one of the most productive metal additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for creating high-performance parts on-site. One of the few firms pioneering this emerging technology...
AMS 2021: The Gaps in Automating 3D Printing for Production
As exciting as all of the verticals discussed at the online Additive Manufacturing Strategies summit were, automation is a personal favorite as it addresses the gaps between 3D printing and...
ExOne (XONE) Releases Office-Friendly Bound Metal 3D Printer
The competition in Binder Jet is heating up. Just a week ago, Desktop Metal (NYSE: DM) announced the two-step bound metal Studio 2 System. By eliminating one step of the...
Services & Data
Printer & Scanner Price QuotesUpload your 3D Models and get them printed quickly and efficiently.